Certainly, whenever you are charged with a driving offense in Royal Oak, Michigan it is worrisome. And a reckless driving charge is no exception. What do you do should this occur? What is a reckless driving offense?
What is Reckless Driving?
In accordance with Michigan state law, reckless driving occurs when someone driving a motor vehicle operates it in a fashion that shows a willful disregard for the safety of others or others’ property. A “willful or wanton disregard” is simply recklessness and there is no requirement to show any intent to harm persons or property. In other words, reckless driving charges are charging someone for driving dangerously despite their lack of intent to commit harm to others.
Penalties for Reckless Driving
If someone is convicted of reckless driving, the possible penalties can be potentially severe. The type of penalties that can be determined in any reckless driving case depends on the nature of any damages or injuries that victims may sustain. The severity of the injuries to person and property determines the extent of the penalties.
Generally, reckless driving is deemed a misdemeanor and the defendant could be required to pay a $500 fine as well as could serve jail time up to 93 days in jail. However, if the driver’s conduct ends up causing serious harm to a person, then it is considered a felony. The punishments would involve a fine up to $5,000 as well as jail time up to 5 years.
Now, if the reckless driver causes the death to another person, if convicted, the driver faces far worse penalties. The reckless driver that caused a death will be considered a felon. The fine could reach as high as $10,000, and the possible prison time can reach up to 15 years.
Experienced Reckless Driving Lawyer
Just because you have been charged with reckless driving does not mean you will be deemed guilty. If you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving, you will need to hire an experienced Royal Oak, Michigan reckless driving lawyer. The stakes are far too high to do otherwise, given the harshness of the fines and other penalties. Call our reckless driving lawyers today at (248) 935-9074. We are prepared to fight for your interests, and to protect your rights.